Tragic Day Update

Sun Feb 17, 2013 3:50 pm

My 26 year old daughter is a school counselor at a middle school in Springfield Ma, this is her first year in the job. Last Friday, 15 minutes before the last bell of the day and the start of school vacation, a 12 year old student of hers drown in the school pool during swimming class. As the counselor she was present for the rescue and resuscitation attempts and then at the hospital, and press conference. Since this tragic event she and other counselors have been at the school dealing with the grief of the students and staff. She too is stricken by what she had to do on that sad day and along with all others who were pool side will soon be undergoing counseling. There are no answers as to how or why at this point, all that is for sure is a little boy who turned 12 last Monday lost his life Friday afternoon. Please remember him in your thoughts and prayers along with all of those who are left to pick up the pieces of this tragedy. He was a sixth grade student at the Kiley Middle School in Springfield Ma., his name has not be released or I would be more personal. I am proud to see what a person my daughter has become, but sad that I can only offer her comfort by listening and offering a shoulder. This is a picture my daughter took of Marlon on Thursday afternoon in her office, she managed to get it to his family. Sadly it is the last picture of this nice boy.

Re: Tragic Day

Re: Tragic Day

Sun Feb 17, 2013 6:57 pm

Prayers for the child, his family and your daughter up from the Ozarks.

Re: Tragic Day

Sun Feb 17, 2013 7:13 pm

Joe, I’m sorry to hear your daughter has this burden. As a person who witnessed the situation unfold and now has the task of working with the child’s friends she has a huge task at hand. As a father I know how it is to grieve for your child as you watch them struggle through a tough time. Your parental instinct to worry is totally understandable. I'm sure your daughter, as well as the rest of the school’s staff and students, can work through this.

Re: Tragic Day

Sun Feb 17, 2013 9:00 pm

That's a tough one Joe. Sorry she has to go through that.

Re: Tragic Day Update

Sat Feb 23, 2013 8:33 pm

Thanks to those of you who have called or sent messages of support and prayers to my daughter and Marlon's family. The school system returns Monday from winter vacation and his funeral will be Tuesday. Following this difficult week my daughter is preparing to speak about this young man at his funeral service. One of those times as a parent you are proud of the young woman you raised, but wish you could still protect her from pain. Kind thoughts and prayers are appreciated.

Re: Tragic Day Update

Sun Feb 24, 2013 12:12 am

Joe:

You certainly raised her up good for sure. She sounds like one heck of a counselor. I am sure that the students and their families will depend on her a lot over the next little while. I imagine this is one of those almost impossible situations to deal with, but she seems to be up to the task admirably. Yes, we always want to make sure life isn't too harsh on our kids, but sometimes we can't and our kids surprise us with their abilities and their resiliency. You both done real good and have every right to be proud of her. Prayers and thoughts are on the way (+)